Come on, people, you should not be surprised to hear this song today! If you claim to know me, then you know my love for most things eighties, and atop that broad spectrum is the music of Lionel Richie. Hello was in my first countdown five years ago (obviously) and, in that day’s note, I eluded to All Night Long as a severe runner-up, not knowing I’d be doing the countdowns every year hence. All Night Long is just such a happy song. It reminds me of my high school savior Maria (a common person to whom so much music from that time period usually pulls me back), and our Friday nights watching videos and having sleep-overs. It was during those moments with Maria that I began to find courage and confidence, and when I hear this song I am reminded of her friendship and support. So here it is today. One of the most amazing songs of the 1980s by one of the most brilliant musicians of our time, from the year I graduated high school when the life ahead seemed like it could be as technicolor as the clothing in this video.
From the historical writing archive. Original date: December 3, 2019. Recovered from local source material; editorial review is still in progress.
